Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 3. Terrestrial Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
In 1840, Commander Wilkes of the U.S. Exploring Expedition noted that Nikumaroro
(Gardner) was devoid of low shrubbery (Bryan 1941 and 1942).
In the 1880’s coconut trees were planted on Nikumaroro by the John T. Arundel and Co.
(Bryan 1941 and 1942; see also Laxton 1951; Morrell 1960; 1892 according to Douglas and
Douglas 1994). These were planted in the northwest end of the island (Tudor 1968). The
droughts of the 1890’s killed these coconut trees (Douglas and Douglas 1994).
Ellis (1937) reported visiting Nikumaroro (Gardner) prior to the planting of coconut trees. At
that time, there were only 7 or 8 coconut trees on the island. According to Ellis (1937),
Nikumaroro (Gardner) was planted with coconuts by John T. Arundel Co. Ellis (1937)
reported that the coconut trees were doing well. Maude (1937), noted that coconut trees
planted by Arundel and Company did not do well was either because of the coconut crabs, a
severe drought, or that they were planted in poor soil.
Maude (1937) reported that Nikumaroro (Gardner) was covered by enormous buka trees,
Pisonia grandis, that were up to 18.3 m (60 ft) high. On the south of the atoll, there were
groves of kanawa trees, Cordia subcordata, that could be used for canoe building. The kaura
shrub, Sida fallex, normally grew to a few feet high, but on Nikumaroro (Gardner) it grew to
more than 2.1 m (7 ft). Coconut trees showed no signs of drought.
Most of the rim was covered by low scrub forest (Bryan 1941 and 1942). This included buka
(Pisonia) and kanava or kou (Cordia) and scattered heliotrope trees (Tournefortia).
Nikumaroro (Gardner) had puka, pandanus, and about 200 coconut trees (Hydrographic
Office 1940). There were several varieties of low shrubs and bunch grass. There were some
trees that are 27.4 m (90 ft) high.
Anon. (1940b) reported that there were several large coconut plantations on Nikumaroro
(Gardner) (see also Ellis 1946). There were two clumps of coconut trees, one on each side of
the western lagoon entranced (Bryan 1941 and 1942). Thousands of coconut trees have been
planted but were ruined by the Polynesian rat (Hydrographic Office 1940).
Daniel (1943) reported that Nikumaroro (Gardner) was more fertile than other Phoenix
Islands. This resulted in abundant coconut palms.
Laxton (1951) reported that in addition to the coconut palms, very large buka trees, Pisonia
grandis. Some of these trees were 24.4 to 27.4 m (80 to 90 ft) high.
In 1974, there was an agricultural inspection tour of Nikumaroro by M.E.H. Vickers (Gilbert
Islands 1978). The rainfall was low, so vegetation was in poor condition.
In 1978, the Gilbert Islands (1978) conducted surveys of Nikumaroro. A map was made of
the vegetation on Nikumaroro (see Figure III-3.2 below).
Figure III-3.2. Vegetation map of Nikumaroro
(source: Gilbert Islands 1978).
36